The final matchday of the CONMEBOL qualification cycle for the 2026 FIFA World Cup sees hapless Chile host Uruguay, whose spot in next summer’s showpiece is already booked.
Match News and Current Form
Chile’s qualifying campaign has been nothing short of disastrous, with two managers resigning and youth coach Nicolás Córdova now back in interim charge for the second time during this cycle. Last week’s 3-0 defeat to Brazil was their eleventh defeat of the campaign (W2 D4), and as they prepare for this final outing, La Roja are rock bottom of the table, so the only thing left to play for is to ensure they don’t finish last. In a World Cup qualification (WCQ) campaign of few positives, Chile have at least been able to pick up results in familiar surroundings, collecting 10 of their 11 points in this cycle at home.
In stark contrast, Uruguay appointed Marcelo Bielsa as their new head coach ahead of this WCQ cycle, and he has instilled stability. La Celeste won only one of their first three qualifiers (D1, L1), but have since enjoyed a routine march to the World Cup, officially cementing their spot after beating Peru 3-0 last time out. Uruguay begin this final matchday in third place and have now qualified for five successive World Cups, but with just one away win in this WCQ cycle (D4, L3), signing off on a high may prove tricky.
Head-to-Head History
Uruguay have had the upper hand in H2Hs, winning 48 of 85 previous clashes (D18, L19), while they’re also on a five-match unbeaten run against Chile (W4, D1).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Chile have failed to score in 12 of their 17 qualifiers, including in each of the last five.
Only four of Chile’s last 14 WCQ home games saw both teams score.
All seven of Uruguay’s qualifying victories have seen them score 2+ goals.
None of Uruguay’s last five games saw both teams score.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Guillermo Maripán has been booked in each of his last two international appearances, with seven of his 11 yellow cards for Chile received in the second half. Uruguay’s Rodrigo Aguirre scored his third goal of this qualifying cycle last time out, the last two of which opened the scoring before half-time.
Chile remain without Francisco Sierralta through his red card suspension. A number of returnees put Uruguay at near full-strength here.
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Betting Analysis
Chile are in disarray and have been toothless in attack, so backing Uruguay to win with a clean sheet seems the smart play here.
Author: Ben Olawumi